Monday, March 14, 2011

MRI Update

So we went back into the City today to get Isabella’s MRI results.  To cut to the chase, our doctor told us that the MRI “essentially looked stable.”  She mentioned that the radiologist did point out an area that may have progressed (i.e. grew) but she wasn’t overly concerned about it and stated that the difference could be due to the way the MRI takes scans.  An MRI takes scans basically one slice at a time as it moves from the top of the brain to the bottom.  If the scan started off by a millimeter or if Isabella laid down at a slightly different angle, it would be difficult to compare exact sections with previous scans.  Our oncologist also did mention that some areas actually looked better, but again, this could be due to some measuring areas.

In any case, she believes that it is worth it to continue treatment, but maybe this time, mix up the chemo cocktail again since tumors have the ability to grow resistance to certain chemo.  Sure, we would have been ecstatic if the MRI showed a dramatic decrease in tumor size, but at least we didn’t see significant growth which probably would have ended any more chemotherapy.  I don’t want to paint a rosy picture since there is still a lot of tumor present, but this was the next best thing, and we’ll take it and be cautiously optimistic.

2 comments:

  1. Have been thinking of you all the past few days......miracles do happen--remeber that and be strong! Lots of people praying for your Isabella.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So thrilled that the tumor didn't grow. Isabella is such an amazing girl. I pray everyday for you guys and know that you are a strong family and smart - you lean on friends and family when you need to. Remember, no matter what time of day someone somewhere is thinking of you.

    Laryssa

    ReplyDelete

Feel free to leave a message for Isabella.